Queen Victoria Women's Centre

15/04/2026

Help bring the story of Dr Constance Stone to the stage!

In the 1880s, Dr Constance Stone defied every barrier placed in her way to become Australia’s first female doctor - and helped transform women’s healthcare. Yet somehow, her story has faded from history.

In 1897, she rallied women across Victoria, asking each for just one shilling. Together, they built a hospital. Now, in 2026, we have a chance to honour her legacy.

Essential Theatre is creating a new Australian play that brings her extraordinary story back into the spotlight - written by Melanie Tait.

This is more than a play. It’s about restoring a legacy. Help bring this story to the stage.

The ask is simple:

• Donate $2 via link here https://www.trybooking.com/au/donate/drconstancestone
• Share this far and wide - real change starts with collective voices
• Follow Essential Theatre along on Instagram and be part of the journey

Let’s echo Constance’s call - and make sure her name is remembered.

08/04/2026

Mana Wahine - coming soon!

Exhibition open 21 April - 22 May 2026, Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM

Curated by Jade Hadfield, this exhibition brings together artists Ella Rowe, FAFSWAG, Folole Tupuola, Grace Vanilau, Irihipeti Waretini and Veisinia Tonga,

Mana Wahine is an exhibition grounded in the sacred, sovereign authority carried by Indigenous women of the Moana; mothers, aunties, fa’afafine, fakaleiti and takatāpui.

Visiting ? mark this one on your calendar.

24/03/2026

Three conversations. One shared reality as part of Melbourne Writers Festival at QVWC.

We’re holding space for the conversations that matter - the ones that challenge, connect and make room for complexity.

Across three sessions on 9 May with Melbourne Writers Festival, we bring together voices including Lally Katz, Ariana Reines, Em Rusciano, Evelyn Araluen,Maxine Beneba Clarke, Marieke Hardy and Jacinta Parsons.

Raging Disgracefully
Girl, Woman, Poem
S*x, Love and Other Catastrophes

Together, these sessions explore rage, resistance, creativity, care, intimacy and what it means to live and connect in this moment.

All sessions sold out very quickly BUT join the waitlist visit www.qvwc.org.au/events

23/03/2026

We’re Hiring!

The Queen Victoria Women’s Centre is seeking a passionate and highly motivated Programs and Partnerships Coordinator to join our team.

In this role, you’ll help strengthen community connections, foster inclusivity, and champion gender equity through the delivery of the Centre’s public programs and partnerships.

How to apply:
Please submit your resume along with a cover letter that clearly addresses the skills, experience, and personal attributes outlined in the Position Description.

Applications should be sent to:
Keryn Negri, CEO keryn.negri@qvwc.org.au

Application deadline: Friday, 10 April 2026

Learn more and apply visit www.qvwc.org.au/resources

18/03/2026

Underground Comedy at QVWC Basement for Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Underground Comedy is taking over the QVWC basement this Melbourne International Comedy Festival, bringing six incredible shows to a brand-new underground venue.

In the spirit of QVWC, this space proudly supports women, femme, trans, and gender-diverse performers and their allies. Expect a fantastic lineup of local, interstate, and international comedians delivering big laughs in an intimate setting.

Join us downstairs for a night of comedy, connection, and maybe even a life-changing moment.

More info and tickets here
https://www.qvwc.org.au/happening-events/underground-comedy-qvwc-as-part-of-micf


robins

17/03/2026

So great to have students in last week visiting the IWD Exhibition - Join Suzanne Phoenix this Friday 20 March (12-4PM) and Friday 27 March (11-4PM) and get your own Polaroid taken by Suzanne 📷

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Last Friday I was at my IWD26 exhibition at QVWC chatting to people, many who came because they read about it in interview with .obrien.

And 20+ year 9’s visited thanks to ! What a joy. They also became part of the Community Wall with a photo and wrote what IWD means to them.

AND QVWC CEO Keryn generously gave them a tour of the historic women’s hospital building which was fascinating !

I’ll be there the next 2 Fridays, 20 and 27 March from 12-4pm if you’d like to see the exhibition and maybe contribute to the Community Wall..
The IWD26 series by Suzanne Phoenix is on exhibition at from 4 March to 15 April. The portraits are available as limited edition photographic portraits. The limited edition book features artwork by and designed by .designs and all are available through www.suzannephoenix.com along with tea towels. Portraits pasted up in Hosier Lane on IWD, check them out while they last.

The series is sponsored by and along with 40+other legends.

12/03/2026

QVWC recently hosted the Human Rights Law Centre in our Wayi Djerring space for the launch of their report 'Ending Strip Searching in Australian Prisons', in partnership with Formerly Incarcerated Girls Justice Advocates Melbourne (FIGJAM) and Flat Out.

Combining national data with lived experiences, the report exposes the profound trauma inflicted by strip searches and highlights the urgent need for change.

Looking for a welcoming, purpose-driven venue for your next workshop, meeting or training session? Our Venues team is here to help make your event run smoothly.

📧 Email venues@qvwc.org.au to find out more.

10/03/2026

Thanks Kerrie O’Brien for the write-up in The Age over the weekend on International Women's Day.

You can read the article below, and visit the Centre Monday–Friday, 9AM–5PM to see the portraits in person.

“How important is it to her to photograph women? It’s critical. ‘I can’t imagine doing my work without women being a huge part of it,’ she says. ‘I want to make positive, real photos of women—particularly trans women and gender-diverse people—to increase visibility and representation. That’s my driver.’” - Suzanne Phoenix

https://www.theage.com.au/culture/art-and-design/look-at-me-like-you-don-t-like-me-why-this-photographer-loves-capturing-women-at-their-fiercest-20260305-p5o7v9.html

Photograph: Jason South

07/03/2026

This International Women’s Day, the Birnbeal walls are filled with raw and honest images of women — cis, trans, and gender diverse. Each portrait is paired with a quote from the artist reflecting on the question: “What does International Women’s Day mean to me?”

“Across activism, music, visual art, and community work, each of these 23 individuals has contributed to a living ecosystem rather than simply a scene.” — Suzanne Phoenix

Freya Bennett (Ramona Magazine) spoke with Suzanne for us about participant-led portraiture, the evolution of feminism, and why preserving voices matters.

Exhibition open until 15 April Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM.

Read the interview https://www.qvwc.org.au/conversations

23/02/2026